New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Vet Nursing Assistant)

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL | Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL | Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL | Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 120 credits. The courses include:

Applied Safety and Anatomy for Veterinary Nursing Practice (15 Credits)
Learn to be aware of hazards in the workplace, and gain knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology for application in a workplace setting.

Animal Behaviour, Handling and Nutrition (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills needed in companion animal behaviour, handling and nutrition and to be able to give advice to clients on these aspects of companion animal care.

Health Care of Animals for Veterinary Nursing (15 Credits)
Learn to apply best practice standards to the maintenance of animal health in a veterinary facility.

Introduction to Veterinary Practice (15 Credits)
Learn to apply procedures and practices to the veterinary clinic workplace. 

Welfare and Well-Being for Veterinary Practice (15 Credits)
Learn to identify the needs of the mother and neonates during reproduction in companion animals. Also learn to integrate knowledge of legislation and professional codes of practice into suitable advice, responses and sales methods to clients in a veterinary reception area.

Veterinary Surgical and Diagnostic Services (15 Credits)
Learn to provide a specified range of surgical and diagnostic services in a veterinary clinic.

Anaesthetic Monitoring and Analgesia of Animal Patients (15 Credits)
Develop skills in the monitoring of anaesthesia, and recognizing the analgesia needs of a surgical patient, in a veterinary facility.

Care of Hospitalised Animal Patients (15 Credits)
Develop and apply skills and knowledge in the provision of care for a variety of animals in the veterinary clinic.

Applicants under the age of 20:
Applicants must have the equivalent of NCEA Level 2 including 12 Level 2 English credits; 12 Level 1 Maths credits and 12 credits of relevant Science at Level 1.

All applicants are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Academic Leader; and
• Authorise UCOL | Te Pūkenga to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency; and
• Complete a health declaration form including tetanus status; and
• Demonstrate an aptitude for working with the public. This may be shown by a reference from an employer where the applicant has worked with the public, or by a reference from a teacher attesting to social skills.

In addition, applicants are required to demonstrate previous experience working with animals. Either:

• A minimum of 20 hours observing in a veterinary clinic. 

           or 

• A minimum of 70 hours with businesses such as SPCA, kennels, catteries, pet shops or on a farm.

These may be demonstrated by information in the applicant's Curriculum Vitae, or a separate written attestation.  Upon being contacted by UCOL | Te Pūkenga, a referee must be able to verify this experience.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

To optimise chances of learner success, 100% attendance is required for all practical classes and work placements.  It is also strongly recommended for all theory classes.

In order to fulfil the requirments of the programme, learners undertaking the New Zealand Certificate of Animal Technology must successfully complete a work placement, and carry out physical activities within the Animal Room. Applicants must also have no objection to working with animals, dissection of animal body parts, bodily fluids or cadavers.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL | Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Vet Nursing Assistant) supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

- Diploma in Veterinary Nursing